This lot contains the lower four sheets (unjoined) of the eight-sheet French edition of John Mitchell's map of North America -- perhaps one of the most important maps in the history of the United States. This very accurate depiction of North America was of enormous importance in determining the borders of the new United States during the Treaty of Paris. The Le Rouge map was published in various editions, these sheets are from the third edition, published around 1777. This example was perhaps sold later due to the defacement of the royal fleur-de-lis not only on the coat-of-arms above the cartouche but also on the compass rose. This type of defacement was common in maps sold in France after the French Revolution of 1789. The four sheets show the Atlantic Ocean and an elaborate cartouche; a portion of the coast from New Jersey to North Carolina; a portion of Virginia, the Carolinas and Florida west to the Ohio River Valley and the Gulf Coast to Biloxi, and the Louisiana Territory with the Mississippi River, north to the Missouri River and west to present-day Texas. The claims for Virginia and North Carolina extend past the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean, based on the royal colonial patent of 1620 claiming the new lands from sea to sea. Dimensions given are for each sheet, approximately 76 x 26" if joined.

References: Sellers & Van Ee #48; McCorkle #777.15

Condition: B+

Generally a good impression on four sound sheets. Sheet 1 with a repair on the centerfold and some minor foxing. Post-French Revolutionary defacement of fleur-de-lis (see description). The other three sheets have a couple minor spots of foxing, and one marginal tear, not affecting the map.